Corey Kent, originally from Oklahoma and now based in Texas, is a rising star in the country music scene. With over 625 million career streams and a Platinum selling status, Kent is gathering momentum with both industry insiders and fans alike. In 2023, he earned recognition as a CMT Listen Up Artist and was named a Pandora Artist to Watch. He also secured spots in The Opry Next Stage Class of 2023 and the Sirius XM Class of 2022. His impressive achievements include a nomination for the AIMP Nashville Country Awards in the category of AIMP Rising Artist-Writer of the Year.

Corey Kent's latest track, "This Heart," highlights his gravelly vocals and signature sound, seamlessly fusing elements of country and rock. The song resonates with its potent and relatable message, and has the ability to effortlessly reach fans across diverse musical tastes. Kent's unmistakable voice infuses the anthem with emotion and depth, hinting at even greater success ahead. It's evident that we can expect more from this talented artist in the very near future.

As he gears up to start his tour, we had the opportunity to catch Corey for some extra questions about him as an artist.

I've noticed that your latest release, "This Heart," garnered millions of streams in its first week. Could you share some insights about this song?

"Wow, I'm absolutely blown away by the response to 'This Heart.' This track is really special to me because I think it’s different than most heartbreak songs; it just focuses on the emotion of heartbreak instead of the story of how the heartbreak happened. I poured a lot of personal emotion into the track, and to see it resonate with so many people is just humbling."

You seem to have a strong following on platforms like Spotify. Where do fans typically discover your music first? With platforms like TikTok gaining increasing influence on people's music tastes and recognition, do you find they're also introducing more country music to UK audiences?

"It's amazing to see how people are connecting with my music across different platforms. I think a lot of fans first discover my tunes through Spotify playlists or even live shows. Social media platforms, especially TikTok, have definitely changed the game, though. It's incredible how a single clip can introduce your music to folks who might never have come across it otherwise. And yes, I do believe platforms like TikTok are opening up new avenues for country music, even in places like the UK where it might not have been as mainstream before. It's exciting to see country music resonate with a global audience, and I'm thrilled to be a part of that movement. It's all about sharing stories and emotions that people can relate to, no matter where they're from."

You recently toured the UK and Ireland with Ashley McBryde. How was that experience?

"Touring the UK and Ireland with Ashley McBryde was an absolute blast and a real highlight in my career so far. Ashley is not only an incredible artist but also a fantastic person to tour with. The energy of the audiences over there was just mind-blowing. It's always a bit nerve-wracking to take your music to new places, especially when it's as far from home as the UK and Ireland, but the reception we received was beyond anything I could have hoped for. The fans were so welcoming and enthusiastic; it really felt like country music has a universal language. Getting to play in such historic and beautiful venues was a dream come true. Every night was a new adventure, and I'm so grateful for the experience. Can't wait to go back and do it all over again!"

Can you pinpoint the key moment in your career when things really took off?

"Pinpointing a single key moment in my career is tough because it feels like a series of steps that all contributed. But if I had to choose one, I'd say it was the release of “Wild as Her”. That was a turning point for me. It felt like overnight, more people were listening, more fans were showing up at shows, and there was just this buzz that I hadn't experienced before. It's one of those things you dream about but aren't really prepared for when it happens. I'm incredibly thankful for that moment and the opportunities it opened up for me. It's been a wild ride since then, and I'm just trying to soak in every moment and keep making music that resonates with people."

What are your thoughts on the Nashville music scene & how does it differ from the Texas music scene? 

"The Nashville and Texas/Red Dirt music scenes are both incredible in their own right, but they definitely have their own unique vibes and traditions. Nashville is like the heart of the country music industry; it's where so much of the history and business side of things converge. There's this amazing creative energy there, with songwriters and artists from all genres coming together, which is really inspiring.

Texas/Red Dirt, on the other hand, has this gritty, independent spirit that's hard to find anywhere else. The Texas/Red Dirt scene is very supportive of artists doing their own thing and forging their own paths, which is something I've always appreciated. There's a strong sense of community and a bit of a rebel vibe, which influences the music that comes out of there.

Both scenes have taught me so much and have shaped my music in different ways. Nashville has honed my songwriting and introduced me to a broader network, while Texas and Oklahoma have instilled in me the importance of authenticity and sticking to your roots. I feel lucky to have been influenced by both scenes, and I try to bring elements of each into my music."

If you could collaborate with one person, dead or alive, who would it be?

"That's a tough question because there are so many incredible artists I admire, both past and present. But if I had to pick just one, I think I'd have to go with Willie Nelson. His music has had such a profound impact on me personally and on country music as a whole. The storytelling, the emotion, the authenticity in their songs—it's something that I strive for in my own music. To be able to sit down and write a song with him,, to get a glimpse into their creative process and learn from their genius, would be an absolute dream come true. It's those kinds of collaborations that can really push you as an artist and create something truly memorable."

What's been your most memorable gig or show to date?

"One show that really sticks out to me as particularly memorable would have to be the first time we headlined Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa and sold it out. There was just something magical about that night—the energy from the crowd, the way the band and I were locked in, everything just felt right. I remember looking out into the audience and seeing people singing along, some with tears in their eyes, really connecting with the music. It's those moments that remind me why I do what I do. That show was a turning point for me, not just in terms of career success, but in truly understanding the impact music can have on people's lives. It's a night I'll never forget."

What are your plans for the remainder of the year?

"For the remainder of the year, I've got some really exciting stuff lined up. We're hitting the road with Parker McCollum for most of the year, and I can't wait to get back out there and play for the fans. There's something about live shows that just can't be replicated.On top of the touring, I'm also heading back into the studio to work on some new music. I've been writing a lot lately, and I'm eager to start laying down some tracks for what might eventually become the next album. There's a lot of new material that I'm really proud of, and I can't wait to share it with everyone.And, of course, amidst all the busyness, I'm looking forward to some quality time with family and friends. It's important to find that balance, and I'm grateful for the people in my life who keep me grounded. So, yeah, it's going to be a busy rest of the year, but I'm excited for every bit of it."

Lastly, do you have a message for your fans and followers?

"To all my fans and followers, I just want to say a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your support means everything to me. It's your encouragement, your messages, and seeing your faces at shows that truly keep me going. Knowing that my music has a place in your lives is the greatest gift an artist could ask for. I'm constantly inspired by your stories and the way you've embraced my songs. It's a privilege to share this journey with you, and I don't take a single moment for granted. I promise to keep working hard, bringing you more music that, hopefully, speaks to you and adds something special to your days."

Thanks Corey—all the best for the future!

Author: Andrew Braithwaite

Andrew is the founder and Managing Director of Music Talkers. He's also a keen music enthusiast and plays the guitar.